Pan-fried tofu is an interesting homestyle dish that contains meaty tofu bites with a crunchy coating and a yummy and sour sauce.
You can top it with rice, and it is a simple and delicious way to jazz up a vegetarian one-bowl meal that everyone will crave.
Pan-fried tofu, also known as Cui Pi Dou Fu, is one of these dishes that is most likely not available on a restaurant menu.
It is an easy homestyle dish that people in China prefer to make in their kitchen.
Tofu is one of these incredible ingredients that can create peculiar textures in a dish.
You can coat the tofu pieces with cornstarch and then beaten eggs, which will yield an extremely special coating that is crunchy with a rich taste.
After that, you can finish it up with a simple sweet and sour taste, which will help you easily enjoy it with a bowl of rice.
What Is Pan-Fried Tofu?
In my case, when I’m craving a delectable food, pan-fried tofu is always my go-to preparation method. It is fast, inexpensive, and packed with plant-based protein.
And, to make this recipe for pan-fried tofu, you will need to open the package, drain the liquid, coat it with cornstarch, and begin cooking. It is quite easy.
I strongly suggest that you give it one last try with this cooking method, even if you are not a tofu lover.
I can guarantee that in no time, this will definitely become a part of your weekly rotation, immediately after you have a bite.
Crispy Pan-Fried Tofu Recipe
This is actually the simple 20-minute crispy fried tofu recipe “Chicken.” It is extremely tasty.
The tofu is pan-fried in a skillet on the stovetop with a simple marinade, and you won’t need to press anything.
Equipment
- Glass bowls
- Ceramic skillet
- Measuring tools
How to Serve Pan-Fried Tofu
It is straightforward to throw into a bowl with some vegetables for a simple vegan dinner.
Below are a few serving suggestions for this easy recipe:
With Rice
You can add white rice and eat it with veggie fried rice.
Top with Zingy Sauce
You have the option of trying it with spicy mayo or the best yum-yum sauce.
With a Stir Fry
You can add it to easy stir-fry vegetables and make it a meal.
With Soba
You can add quick soba noodles and serve it in a bowl. Or, on the other hand, you can try it in an easy soba noodle bowl, which is more like a stir fry.
Add a veggie
You can serve it with simple sautéed or roasted broccoli.
Storing and Reheating Pan-Fried Tofu
Pan-fried tofu is certainly best eaten immediately for its crunchier texture.
That being said, below are a few storage tips if you have any leftovers:
Fridge
Get an airtight container and store the cooked tofu pieces in it, then place it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
However, keep in mind that it will lose some crispiness but not the flavor.
Reheating
I suggest that you sauté the tofu in a skillet of oil over low-medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
As an alternative, you can also reheat your pan-fried tofu in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or until it becomes hot.
Pan-Fried Tofu Recipe FAQs
How Do You Keep Fried Tofu Crispy?
Just separate some of the fried tofu and sauce and store them in tightly sealed containers separately if you know you won’t be eating all your crispy tofu at once.
What Can I Use Instead of Cornflour for Crispy Tofu?
As previously stated, you can use cornstarch rather than flour to create crunchy tofu recipes.
However, rice and potato flour are also excellent alternatives that help you achieve a delectably crispy exterior.
In addition, you can also use an egg and breadcrumb coating, even though it will slightly change the flavor of the dish and alter the calories.
Final Thoughts on Pan-Fried Tofu
I actually don’t suggest that you freeze this simple recipe immediately after it is cooked.
Even though you can freeze uncooked tofu without the marinade.
When baking tofu, you don’t need as much oil, but you will love the flavor and texture of pan-fried tofu the most. However, this is based on your preference.
After 30 minutes, fried tofu starts to lose its crispiness, so it tastes best fresh.
You can actually cube and marinate tofu with soy sauce ahead of time, then refrigerate it until it is ready to pan-fry.
Additionally, you can combine garlic powder, cornstarch, and black pepper ahead of time, but make sure you store it covered in a cool, dry place.
And, when you are ready, proceed with this recipe. This concludes this guide on pan-fried tofu.
Pan-Fried Tofu Recipe
Pan-fried tofu is an interesting homestyle dish that contains meaty tofu bites with a crunchy coating and a yummy and sour sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 (12 oz.) packages of firm or extra-firm tofu (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Green onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
Instructions
- First, get a medium bowl and add the cubed tofu and soy sauce on top. After that, stir gently using a silicone or wooden spoon, given that metal will do more damage to the tofu’s fragile texture.
- That being done, set aside Get another medium bowl and add garlic powder, cornstarch, and pepper. Stir well using a fork and also set aside.
- And, for the time being, preheat a large ceramic non-stick skillet on medium heat, then add half of the olive oil. Make sure it is hot enough to make the tofu sizzle right away.
- Also, add the tofu cubes to a bowl with the cornstarch mixture and gently mix to coat. The tofu will be perfectly coated in a sticky, wet cornstarch mixture.
- Afterward, add half of the tofu to a pan in a single layer and cook until it becomes browned. This will take around 2 to 3 minutes.
- Turn over each cube with a spatula and pan fry for a few more minutes, or until they become crunchy.
- You can now add half of the marinade from the first and second steps. It will collect at the bottom of the bowl, and the other half will be with the next batch.
- With that being done, transfer them to a plate and repeat this step with the remaining tofu.
- Now garnish with sesame seeds and green onion. Crunchy tofu is best served immediately after it loses its crispiness, which should be after 30 minutes if you can still cover it.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 121Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 294mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 3g
